The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reinstated mining operations in the South Kivu province, with gold extraction not included in the decision, reported Reuters.

Mining activities in South Kivu, predominantly carried out by artisanal miners, include the extraction of gold, tin ore cassiterite and the high-tech mineral coltan.

A suspension was imposed last month due to disorder at mining sites.

In July 2024, the region's governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, halted operations as a result of "disorder caused by the mining operators".

At that time, Sadiki was quoted by Reuters as saying: “All companies, businesses and cooperatives are required to leave the sites and operating locations within 72 hours.”

Following discussions with mining operators, the suspension has been lifted, according to a government spokesperson's statement.

The statement urged cooperatives, mining companies and gold-buying outlets to address their situation with the tax authorities.

The spokesperson’s statement said: “The aim is to transform the mining sector into a genuine lever for stability, wealth creation for all and the socioeconomic development of South Kivu province.”

Meanwhile, in 2023, Bloomberg News reported that privately held Congolese company Buenassa plans to construct a copper-cobalt smelter in the DRC, with an investment of $350m (CnFr1trn).

The proposal, which is supported by the government, is intended to help formalise artisanal mining in the country.

Financial consulting company Delphos International was chosen to support Buenassa in securing funds for the project.